Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Aug. 11, 2023:
AEB mandate proposal for new trucks needs more robust input, CVSA says
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has asked for a 30-day extension to the comment period for the joint notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on trucks.
The rulemaking was proposed in July and would require heavy commercial vehicles with FMVSS-required electronic stability control systems to be equipped with an AEB system. The notice was filed jointly by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
CVSA said in its request that the initial 60-day comment period “is not adequate time to prepare and approve comments on such a complicated and important issue.”
[Related: Comment period on automatic emergency braking opens]
The group added that it and the Commercial Vehicle Brake Manufacturers Council (CVBMC) “are working to develop comments in response to the proposal and would like the opportunity to collaborate with other entities that will be commenting, to ensure all issues and concerns are addressed and our organization can provide NHTSA and FMCSA with comments that will contribute to a comprehensive, well informed, science and data-based NPRM.”
CVSA noted that it is working to facilitate an industry discussion toward the end of August for brake manufactures, motor carriers, and commercial motor vehicle manufacturers to share their thoughts on the proposal.
“Granting a 30-day extension to the comment period would allow for greater stakeholder discussion and engagement, which will result in better, more comprehensive feedback to the NPRM,” CVSA added.
The comment period is currently open through Sept. 5. Comments to NHTSA can be filed here, and comments to FMCSA can be filed here.
[Related: NHTSA investigating 'false positive' AEB events in certain Freightliner, Western Star trucks]
Forward Air, Omni Logistics announce merger
Forward Air and Omni Logistics on Thursday said the two companies will merge in a cash and stock deal that forms a $3.7 billion company. Under the terms of the agreement, Omni shareholders will receive $150 million in cash and Forward Air common stock and preferred stock.
The combined company will have more than 300 locations, creating a network flywheel for customers through the addition of Omni’s 40-plus terminals across the U.S. to Forward’s network of terminals near or at U.S. airports.
Forward is also targeting opening 30 new terminals in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico over the next five years. In the longer term, the addition of Omni’s presence in Europe, Asia, and South America is expected to expand Forward’s international capabilities and allow Forward to provide extended logistics services support for global customers.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Omni is an asset-light, high-touch logistics and supply chain management company, delivering domestic and international freight forwarding, fulfillment services, customs brokerage, distribution, and value-added services for time-sensitive freight to U.S.-based customers operating both domestically and internationally.
The combination of Forward Air and Omni creates a less-than-truckload enterprise focused on multimodal moves of complex and high-value freight needs.
Forward Air Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Schmitt said the combined company he expects to compete for an increasing share of high-quality freight transportation amidst a dynamic market in which customers are seeking a more reliable LTL offering.
[Related: How a Yellow bankruptcy could influence freight, used-truck markets]
Sheetz opens new location with truck parking
Convenience store chain Sheetz this week opened a new location in London, Ohio, that offers seven high-flow diesel fueling lanes and DEF for tractor-trailers, along with 41 truck parking spaces for overnight accommodations.
The location is the company’s 24th in the Columbus, Ohio, area.
It is also the company’s 37th store to offer truck diesel fuel lanes, and it can be easily accessed by truck drivers from I-70, Exit 79.
[Related: What makes a top-rated truck stop]
